Janitor Who Hasn't Bought Clothes in 10 Years Owns 7 Apartments and Earns 300 Million Won a Year: Japan's Everyday Millionaire

A Japanese Janitor in His 50s Earns 300 Million Won Annually
His Revealed Life Goal
"I Want to Live a Fulfilling Life Without Flaunting Wealth"

The story of a Japanese man in his 50s who works as a janitor despite earning an annual income of 300 million won through real estate rentals and fund investments has become a hot topic. He stated that his life goal is "to live a fulfilling life without flaunting wealth."

According to a recent report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Matsubara Koichi, 56, who lives in Tokyo, Japan, is currently responsible for cleaning public areas and basic building maintenance at an apartment complex.

Photo unrelated to the main text. View of Tokyo, Japan, last August. Photo by Yonhap News

Matsubara works three days a week, four hours per shift. He earns a monthly salary of 100,000 yen, which is much lower than Tokyo's average monthly wage of about 350,000 yen (approximately 3.27 million won).

However, Matsubara may be one of the wealthiest people in the building. Through rental properties and investments, he earns over 30 million yen (about 28 million won) annually.

The reason Matsubara continues working as a janitor is not to make money. He explained, "It feels great to wake up every morning, clean thoroughly, and put everything in order," adding that he works to maintain his health and energy.

He grew up in a single-parent household and lived a life of saving for a long time to buy the things he wanted.

After graduating from middle and high school, Matsubara started working at a factory, earning 180,000 yen a month. By strictly controlling his expenses, he managed to save about 3 million yen in just a few years, which he used to purchase his first studio apartment.

He gradually increased his real estate holdings, and now owns seven rental apartments in Tokyo and the suburbs. He also invests in stocks and funds.

Two women wearing traditional Japanese clothing are waiting at a crosswalk signal on Asakusa Street, a bustling area in Tokyo, Japan. (This is not directly related to the article.) Tokyo AFP Yonhap News Agency

Although he is now in a position to live comfortably, Matsubara's lifestyle remains extremely frugal and simple. He lives in an inexpensive apartment, cooks for himself, and has not bought new clothes in over ten years. The mobile phone he uses is an old model with only basic functions, and he mainly gets around by bicycle.

He aims to live an honest life without flaunting his wealth. Matsubara described his life philosophy as "having something to do every day, being healthy, and thinking for oneself."

His story spread on social media and created a significant response in Japan. Online users commented, "A rational and skilled asset manager," "Cleaning is a good way to heal the mind and train the body," and "Never underestimate janitors or servers. A hidden millionaire could be right next to you."